It's no secret that British bands have had a hard time breaking in America over the last 20 years. It's an issue of national pride and foreign exports. What's not as well known is that the British government has taken steps to help. This year, reports The Mirror, popular artists such as KT Tunstall and Goldfrapp are being flown to Austin by the British government, as are lesser known bands like The Kooks, The Rakes, Jim Noir, The Feeling and Boy Kill Boy. In the past, The Kaiser Chiefs, The Darkness and James Blunt were sent to the music festival on the government's tab. Unlike most British artists, those have found success in the States.

Said the Trade and Industry Secretary, "From the Beatles, through David Bowie to Coldplay, the UK music scene has always led the world but we have not always capitalised on our talent to break America. I want to ensure that the Government works with the industry and our best artists to showcase talent in the US."

From a post at SXSW Baby, which came from the official SXSW SMS list: "Wristbands will go on sale to the general public starting at 10 am 2/23 at Waterloo Records. Cash or CC only. Each person is limited to 2 wristbands and they're going for $130 each (tax, fees, etc. included)."

Bar/None has annonnced its SXSW showcase. It will have El Ten Eleven, The Spinto Band, Hotel Lights and three others.

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